Are You One of the 40,000 in Greater Manchester Missing Out on Pension Credit?

Nearly 40,000 households in Greater Manchester are missing out on Pension Credit, losing £3,900 a year on average. 

Citizens Advice SORT Group fully supports the government’s Pension Credit Awareness Drive, which aims to help identify households missing out on this important benefit. The government is urging all eligible pensioners to apply by 21 December, which is the final date to make a backdated claim for Pension Credit and receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

“Many people over state pension age are struggling with rising living costs and don’t realise they might qualify for Pension Credit,” says Aly Darwin, Head of Business Delivery at Citizens Advice SORT Group. 

“Pension Credit isn’t paid automatically-you need to apply. But once you do, it can open the door to additional support, like council tax reductions, help with health costs, and the Winter Fuel Payment, which provides up to £300 to help with heating costs during the colder months.

“If you’re a single person with a weekly income below £218.15 or a couple with an income below £332.95, we strongly encourage you to use the DWP’s online calculator to check your eligibility.

Please also check in with your loved ones to ensure they’re not missing out on this crucial support. Applying for Pension Credit could grant you or someone you care about access to essential financial support and other life-enhancing benefits.’

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Notes to editors:

  1. To apply for Pension Credit, please visit the official guidance on how to claim: How to Claim Pension Credit.

  2. Our statement is part of the ongoing Pension Credit Awareness Drive led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

  3. Citizens Advice SORT Group is the parent company of the Citizens Advice services in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford.  We are a member of the Citizens Advice service nationally which is made up of a network of 270 local Citizens Advice organisations across England and Wales.

  4. Our network of charities offers impartial advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. 

Hayley Wright